It’s prime whale watching season, and while we might normally expect to see these gentle giants off the coast of Warrnambool, Phillip Island or Wilsons Prom, two humpbacks have decided to drift a bit closer to Melbourne, and we’re totally flipping out. They were seen making their way under the West Gate Bridge and up the Yarra River on Tuesday afternoon. While whales have previously been spotted around Port Phillip Bay, this was the first time that they’ve have been recorded this high up.
Whales underneath West Gate Bridge
The Yarra River is no stranger to curious creatures, having attracted a playful fur seal in 2017 and 2021. But these two whales are certainly the largest visitors to explore its waters.
The whales were seen swimming below the bustling West Gate Bridge on a drizzly day. Their fins slipped out over the surface of the water as they meandered up the river. They came close to Coode Island, before eventually turning back around and out into the bay.
“The team at Ports Victoria was surprised but delighted on Tuesday to witness two whales making their way up the Yarra River,” said a Ports Victoria spokesperson. “While Ports Victoria’s Vessel Traffic Officers always maintain a close watch across port waters, it’s not every day that they’re called upon to monitor the movements of whales, in fact it’s very rare.”
Thankfully, no boats were scheduled to move at the time, so the whales could explore in peace.
What should you do if you see a whale?
If you’re out on the water, and you happen to see a whale, you need to keep your distance for your safety and theirs. Recreational boats shouldn’t approach whales closer than 200 metres. If you’re on a jet ski, you should stay at least 300 metres away. If you’re swimming or surfing, you should stay 50 metres away. It’s ok for the whale to come up to you, but there are penalties if you deliberately approach them.
If you happen to see a whale, you’re welcome to report your sighting to the Two Bays Whale Project. This citizen science initiative by Dolphin Research Institute, in partnership with Wildlife Coast Cruises, is aimed at recording sightings of whales within Victoria. Over the years, they’ve been able to identify over 400 individual humpback whales, thanks to the unique markings on their fluke, the underside of their tail. Recording their movements is important, as it allows us to learn more about their migratory behaviours, and see if their patterns are shifting.
This season, whales have been spotted in Port Phillip Bay, including around Seaford, Frankston, Mornington and Mount Martha. Prior to the West Gate Bridge appearance, whales also seen near Parkdale Beach.
If you see a whale, you can make a report via PodWatch.
